“When they did, I was given permission to come and speak here, which was really pleasing.

“What will be will be. It transpired it was going to happen.”

Mackay-Steven was also miffed at the talk he’d forced the issue and stated: “I had a great four years at United and I never once kicked the door down and asked to leave because I had always been happy and was happy.

“At the start of the month, United wanted a certain figure for me.

“It wasn’t until deadline day that figure was met.

“So then it was a case of me talking and all that stuff.

“But it was all about the clubs talking and a fee was agreed.

“I said before, I signed a pre-contract and was delighted to have my future secured at a club like Celtic .

Celtic unveil new signings Gary McKay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong

“It was just a massive opportunity for me here.

“To be honest, at the time I signed that pre-contract, I was really excited, but I tried to put that to the back of my mind.

“I was a United player and, in my head, it was going to be until the summer. That was always the case.

“People were obviously asking me about it and congratulating me.

“It was exciting but I tried to do what I had done all the time and concentrate on United.

“It has happened sooner than I expected but that’s great and I will get my head down and work as hard as I can.”

Asked if United’s statement was unfair, he added: “I think so.”

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Question -1 of 5Score -0 of 0

Which South African holds the record for most catches (five) by a non-wicketkeeper in a single ODI?